Building A Skincare Routine...But For Your Body

Brittany Stewart is a beauty journalist and podcaster with an extensive collection of red lipsticks that look the same but definitely aren’t. When she’s not hosting beauty podcast, Beauty Island, you’ll find her searching for the best frizz-fighting, curly hair products and the face mask that will solve (all) her problems.

Brittany Stewart is a beauty journalist and podcaster with an extensive collection of red lipsticks that look the same but definitely aren’t. When she’s not hosting beauty podcast, Beauty Island, you’ll find her searching for the best frizz-fighting, curly hair products and the face mask that will solve (all) her problems.

Sorry to break it to you, but you may want to think about adding a few more steps to your skincare regimen - and I don't mean for your face.

I know, I know. But I promise you (and your skin) it will be worth it. After all, we do get a tonne of questions about keratosis pilaris, and our fave body moisturisers. So make space in your shower caddy or your bathroom cabinet, 'cause I'm about to take you through the ultimate body care routine.

Yes, it’s a thing. No, a fortnightly moisturise doesn’t quite cut it. Oh, and if you still haven't got a skincare routine for your face, listen to this episode of our podcast here.

Where To Start With A Body Care Routine:

To put it bluntly, your skin doesn’t end at your neck. Or even your chest, as the experts rightly often remind us.

While your body may not always be as exposed as your face, it’s still weathering the world for you. Sunscreen, sweat, dirt, pollution… you get the picture. While we take time to cleanse, exfoliate and rehydrate our faces, the rest of our limbs are often left behind. Dry. Unloved.

Now, that doesn’t mean extending your morning or evening routine by an extra half an hour with 15 body care routine steps (unless of course, you want to). But, by applying the same key steps from your skincare routine to your body, you can help keep things soft, silky and smooth. Dry elbows and knees, be gone!

Here’s your beginner’s guide to the best body skincare, according to yours truly.

Cleanse

First step, straightforward. Start in the shower and wash the day off (even if you've just been sitting on the couch watching Tiger King). Belting out your fave Lizzo song is encouraged, too. Your standard body wash or shower gel will do the job, but if you want to treat yourself, try something a little more luxurious. I can't go past Aesop for its bougie packaging, but Dr Bronner's Castile Liquid Soap is a great, more affordable, multi-purpose option too.

Looks good in your shower, feels good on your skin. This won’t get super foamy (which is actually less drying for the skin) but gently cleanses the skin with rose petal oil and other skin-softening botanical extracts. Apply to damp skin with a sponge or loofah, then rinse. Enjoy the spicy floral smell, too. Australian, vegan and cruelty-free, you can also use this as a hand wash. Handy.

Exfoliate

As with on your face, exfoliating your body helps get rid of any build-up of dead skin cells. While physical scrubs are fun to do, rub too vigorously and you can end up being too rough. In my opinion, the best option is a chemical exfoliant, which helps gently remove dead skin to show off the healthy, bump-free skin underneath. And if you're looking for a physical and chemical duo, opt for asap's Revitalising Body Scrub.

Love a short cut? As an exfoliating body wash, this doubles as both steps and is gentle enough for daily use. Using glycolic acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), it gently removes dead skin cells to reduce dullness and boost complexion. AHAs are also a great option for acne-prone skin (yes, it’s perfectly normal to get it on your body) as by removing dead skin helps minimise or prevent pores clogging in the first place. Skin feels clean, smooth and hydrated.

Serum

It wouldn't be a proper skincare routine without a serum, would it? Applied to skin post-cleansing but before moisturising, serums penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver effective and active ingredients. They can make all the difference. I particularly rate this one by Biologi - it's got a tonne of skin benefits.

From your bathroom to the Byron Bay hinterland, this serum contains the pure plant extract of Australian Finger Lime. Highly-nourishing and luxurious-feeling, this is a serial overachiever. Helps reduce pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, strengthens and repairs the skin barrier, AND hydrates and plumps leaving you glowy skin. I need a breather. It’s suitable for all skin types including sensitive ones with eczema, dermatitis and rosacea, and 100% safe for use during pregnancy and on babies. Apply to clean, dry skin every second day - one pump for each area of the body will do.

Moisturise

You’ve cleansed, exfoliated, serumed (made that word up), We're almost done. As the largest organ, adding moisture to the skin helps maintain its ability of acting as your body’s protective barrier, allows it to repair itself and stay in optimum condition. And of course, feel soft and smooth too. My go-to's are Clarins Tonic Moisturising Balm, and this one from Weleda below:

Everyone’s favourite Skin Food can now be used all over your body. A deliciously whipped and velvety formula, the rich body butter helps get rid of rough and dry skin. Apply straight after your bath or shower to soothe, protect and hydrate. It’s quick to absorb so you don’t have to do the awkward dance before you can put on your clothes.

Then take a deep breath. Your body is a temple; and you can now flop on the couch with a smug look on your face. You’re done.